Gary Monk hails "magnificent" character of Swansea players

Swansea City manager Garry Monk praised the character of his players after they came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans were without the injured Federico Fernandez, Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer against the Gunners.

And former Swansea captain Monk was delighted with the way his players rose to the challenge of facing Arsenal.

"To a man, they were magnificent. Bearing in mind the injuries we had, they took responsibility," Monk said.

Bafetimbi Gomis sealed Swansea's victory after Gylfi Sigurdsson had cancelled out Alexis Sanchez's opener for the visitors.

Swansea's win saw them climb above Arsene Wenger's side into fifth place in the Premier League table.

Bafetimbi Gomis scored only his second goal for Swansea moments after he came on against Arsenal

It was an impressive display of resolve, considering injuries and Jonjo Shelvey's suspension had forced Monk to make three changes from the Swans' previous game, a goalless draw at Everton.

Although Fernandez, Routledge and Dyer were unavailable against Arsenal, Monk is hopeful to have all three back after the international break.

"It doesn't take just 11 players, it takes a squad to compete in this league," said Monk.

"We've got that inner belief, that mentality, and that's what carried them through. Against a very dangerous team like Arsenal, I think we deserved the win in the end.

Swansea's current points tally of 18 points from 11 games represents their best start to a season in the Premier League.

Monk added: "I've got to be happy with the points tally we've got. The players deserve a lot of credit for that."